Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey for a perfect Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on, buttermilk, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 8 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in, turning to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to brine and tenderize.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches, without overcrowding, for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
  4. Step 4: While chicken fries, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until honey is warm and infused with spice, about 3 minutes; do not boil.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the spicy hot honey over the fried chicken just before serving to add a sweet and fiery glaze that complements the crispy crust.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep buttermilk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Southern Hot Honey?

Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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